Research Scientist

Job Title Research Scientist Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Entomology Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description We are seeking a Research Scientist, who under general supervision, designs, performs, and analyzes experiments. Mentors students on analyzing and preparing data results. Responsibilities Research Design, Execution, and Analysis Conducts complex independent research within a specialized field of expertise. Applies advanced scientific knowledge, technical skills, and research methods to carry out assigned research projects. Designs, performs, and evaluates experiments, studies, or research activities consistent with project goals. Collects, analyzes, interprets, and summarizes research data. Identifies research challenges and applies appropriate methods to support project progress and completion. Research Documentation, Publications, and Reporting Writes, reviews, and contributes to research papers, articles, manuscripts, and other scholarly publications. Prepares summaries of research findings, data analyses, and project outcomes. Actively participates in the preparation of technical progress reports for research sponsors, collaborators, and institutional stakeholders. Maintains accurate research records, documentation, and files in accordance with project, departmental, and institutional requirements. Presentations and Research Communication Prepares presentation materials related to research topics, findings, methods, and project progress. Prepares and leads presentations of research findings to small and large groups. Communicates research progress, results, and technical information to faculty, researchers, sponsors, students, and collaborators. Mentoring, Supervision, and Collaboration May assist, train, or mentor student researchers, postdoctoral research associates, assistant research scientists, associate research scientists, and other research personnel working on related projects. May supervise assigned staff and/or students. Collaborates with faculty, researchers, and multidisciplinary team members to support research objectives. Provides technical guidance and support to research personnel as needed. Worksite, Equipment, and Research Operations Oversees the preparation, organization, and cleaning of the research worksite. Determines supplies, materials, and equipment needed to conduct research effectively. Uses and maintains research equipment appropriate to the area of study. Supports compliance with applicable safety, operational, and institutional procedures. Grant and Project Support Assists with grant acquisition, proposal preparation, and related research development activities. Supports planning and coordination of research activities, timelines, and deliverables. Contributes information, data, and written materials needed for funding applications or sponsor communications. Performs Other Duties as Assigned Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental, research, and institutional needs. May work evenings, weekends, or outside normal business hours as required by research activities. May travel as required for research, presentations, collaboration, or project-related activities. Education and Experience Required Education Ph.D. in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, or a closely related field. Required Experience Six or more years of related postdoctoral or professional research experience in a specialized biological research field. Preferred Experience Experience conducting research on arthropod‑borne viruses, mosquito‑borne disease systems, viral suppressors of RNA silencing, small RNA pathways, or vector‑borne disease control strategies. Experience leading or substantially contributing to complex research projects from experimental planning through data interpretation and manuscript preparation. Experience in an academic research laboratory, university research setting, or comparable research institution. Experience mentoring, training, or providing research guidance to students, postdoctoral researchers, or other research personnel. Record of peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, accepted manuscripts, or manuscripts under review in relevant scientific fields. Experience conducting research in molecular virology, virus‑host interactions, virus‑vector interactions, RNA silencing, or closely related areas. Experience contributing to research publications, manuscripts, technical reports, or sponsor‑related research documentation. Experience working in a multidisciplinary research environment involving faculty, researchers, students, and/or external collaborators. Required Skills, Knowledge, or Abilities Advanced knowledge of molecular virology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related biological research methods. Ability to independently design, conduct, troubleshoot, and complete complex research activities. Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize research data accurately. Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare manuscripts, technical reports, research summaries, and other scientific documents. Strong verbal communication and presentation skills. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities. Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary research team. Ability to manage multiple research priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail. Preferred Skills, Knowledge, or Abilities Knowledge of RNA silencing pathways, virus‑host/vector interactions, mosquito biology, and vector‑borne disease systems. Knowledge of recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical assay development, molecular cloning, PCR‑based methods, RNA analysis, and related molecular techniques. Knowledge of BSL‑2 and/or BSL‑3 virology procedures and appropriate laboratory safety practices. Ability to analyze transcriptomic, RNA‑seq, sequence, or other biological data using bioinformatics or computational biology approaches. Ability to train, mentor, or guide junior researchers, students, or laboratory personnel. Ability to develop presentation materials and communicate technical research findings to scientific and non‑scientific audiences. Additional Requirements Applicant must have significant knowledge of biochemical methods and techniques involved in protein biochemistry, including experience applying these methods to complex biological research questions. The position may require work outside normal business hours, including evenings or weekends, depending on research needs. The position may also require travel for research activities, scientific meetings, presentations, collaborations, or project related responsibilities. Please Attach to Your Completed Application Resume/CV List of References with email and daytime phone numbers. Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife? When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents. In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following: Health, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 12‑15 days of annual paid holidays Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife All positions are security‑sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr